Treatment for Endometriosis

Treatment depends on the age of the patient, severity of the symptoms and
the extent of the disease and her desire for conception. Women with mild
symptoms may just be monitored and examined regularly to see for the
progression of the disease. The different modes of treatment are-

• Medical therapy• Surgical therapy

Medical therapy

This is usually indicated in patients with minimal endometriosis. Analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs are mainly used for symptomatic relief in women with mild pain.
Some of the commonly used drugs are Aspirin, Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. The
pain in endometriosis may also be releived by the following treatment -

• High frequency TENS, • Acupuncture,• Vitamin B1 • Magnesium

Hormonal Therapy

Danazol (Danocrine) Danazol is a derivative of the male hormone testosterone. It acts by
Suppressing ovulation and thereby preventing production of hormones that would
bring about growth of the endometrial implants and pain. This leads to atrophy
of the endometrial implants.

Oral contraceptive pills These drugs act by suppressing ovulation (Production of egg by the
ovaries). As a result, there is reduction in the production of the hormone
oestrogen by the ovaries leading to shrinkage of the endometrial implants.The common side effects are, weight gain, breast tenderness and nausea.

GnRH agonists(gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists) These drugs act by suppressing menstrual periods (Artificial menopause),
thereby suppressing the production of oestrogen and shrinkage of the
endometrial implants. The common side effects are-hot flushes, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, loss of
libido and mood swings. Long-term use may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate(Depo-provera) Produces shrinkage of the endometrial tissue by suppressing ovulation and
menstruation and thereby suppressing the production of oestrogen. The common side effects are, breast tenderness, uterine bleeding, and
depression.

Surgical treatment is usually indicated if endometriosis is extensive,
with distortion of the pelvic anatomy. This can be conservative (where
the pelvic anatomy is restored) or radical (removal of the reproductive
organs.

Laparoscopy - is a key hole procedure, where a fiber optic tube with
a small lens is introduced into the abdomen through small incisions. It is a
very useful procedure not only to diagnose endometriosis, but also to treat it.
Adhesions can be lysed using sharp and blunt dissection, endometrial
lesions can be cauterised, endometrioma (endometriotic cysts in the
ovary) can be removed and laser can be used to vaporise the
endometriotic implants.

Laparotomy - is a procedure where the abdominal
cavity is visualised after making an incision over the abdominal wall. It is
usually performed for a more extensive surgery Endometrial lesions are
destroyed, adhesions released, large endometriomas are removed and repair of
any damaged organs is done.

Hysterectomy(removal of the uterus) and bilateral salpingo
- ophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries) is the definitive
treatment for endometriosis. This is done as a last resort in women with long
standing endometriosis, those with severe pain and those who do not respond to
other forms of treatment.

Before going for surgery use the following strategies to
help you recover better. These include-

Have a healthy diet with plenty of
fruits vegetables and fibre. Try and avoid refined sugar. Avoid Alcohol Avoid Coffee Be positive Have confidence in your surgeon
Discus all aspects of the treatment with the surgeon or the nurse. Use relaxation methods and this help
your recovery after surgery. Spend quality time
with your family and loved ones.

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I have had surgery for endometriosis over a year ago , and have really had not a lot af relief from it, I am now being put on some heavy drugs such as morphine, Im 22 and would love to have a baby in the next year or so but im so scared i wont be able to , more to the point does anyone go back to a normal sex life ever?! i feel im losing my partner , like we are not as close anymore . I hate this disease and am desperatley looking for some alternative therapies ?
thanks
sam saminda89 Thursday, March 15, 2012

I found out i have endometriosis 5 months ago, i took the birth control but have had no improvement ;[ im trying to become pregnant but its so difficult having so much pain. is there any kind of diet i should be on? pleeease help!! ive suffered for 15 yrs now!unicornkari Saturday, January 07, 2012

i am 23 years old. I have an abortion in aug 2009. thats my first pregnancy. and i didnt get periods for 4months. then i got a loop by a doctor because my endometic layer size is very thin. i used some pills of estrogen and progesterone for 4 months. now iam getting periods for 36 days cycle. i am continuing my loop now also. i am planning to remove my loop in aug 2012. is there any problem by continuing this loop for the next year also. i am planning to get pregnant in the next year itself. and its not possible to remove my loop in this year because i am in abroad now. suggest me, there is any problem to get pregnant and in my health as well as my child's health. is there any food to improve my health and periods cycle. suggest me please. but its not possible to come to india and remove the loop in this year. so i am planning to next year. suggest me please please. i think you can understand my problem and give better suggestion for me.
many many thanks in advance.chotu Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Endometriosis is one of the most difficult condtions. It often mimics other condtions and sometimes it is difficult to differntiate from cancer. The surgery of the condition is also difficult. sunny1 Saturday, March 22, 2008

A couple of years ago I found outstanding results from
treatments for endometriosis for my fibroids. It is also recommended for endometriosis. You may want to consider finding a Treatment of Endometriosis then explore the resources on treatments for endometriosis which include nutritional, complementary, and multi-disciplinary approaches to management of this condition.
adriabold Thursday, May 19, 2011

I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago and thats when my OBGYN found my endimetriosis and it has attached to my bowel and cannot be removed because it has hardened i also didnt know that it can still spread to any organ i am also at high risk for lupus, arthritis, and other stuff the only person i can talk to about it is my husband he is my rock i dont know what i'd do without him. Is there anyone I can talk to to help ease the worry of the things that i am high risk for. Thank you for letting me send a comment.guest Monday, April 16, 2007

A very informative site. I particulary liked that you have been able to compile information like support groups in the world. I wish to know if there is a support group for Endometriosis available in India.sunny1 Saturday, November 11, 2006